Egypt Adventure: Cairo to Hurghada (Jan 19 – Jan 27)

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Morning: Land at Cairo International Airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in while enjoying a welcome tea on the rooftop overlooking the city.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around Tahrir Square to get a feel for modern Cairo and sample some street‑food falafel.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Egyptian restaurant featuring live oud music, then rest early for the busy days ahead.

Day 2: Giza Plateau – The Pyramids & Sphinx

Morning: Explore the iconic Great Pyramid of Khufu, climb a portion of the inner chambers, and marvel at its engineering.

Afternoon: Visit the Pyramid of Khafre and the majestic Great Sphinx, with a guided explanation of their mythic history.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset camel ride around the plateau followed by a dinner with a view of the illuminated pyramids.

Day 3: Egyptian Museum – Tutankhamun’s Treasury

Morning: Dive into ancient history at the Egyptian Museum, focusing on the spectacular Tutankhamun exhibit and its golden artifacts.

Afternoon: Continue the museum tour to see the Royal Mummies Hall and the collection of Pharaonic statues.

Evening: Stroll along Al‑Moez Street, admiring illuminated medieval architecture and stopping for a tea in a historic café.

Day 4: Islamic Cairo & Khan el‑Khalili

Morning: Wander through the bustling lanes of Khan el‑Khalili bazaar, perfect for picking up souvenirs and sampling Egyptian coffee.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Al‑Azhar Mosque and the nearby Citadel of Saladin with its panoramic city views.

Evening: Savor a dinner cruise on the Nile, enjoying traditional music and a light show on the riverbanks.

Day 5: Saqqara & Memphis Day Trip

Morning: Travel to Saqqara to climb the ancient Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s earliest colossal stone structure.

Afternoon: Stop at the open‑air museum of Memphis to see the massive granite **Statue of Ramses II** and the Alabaster Sphinx.

Evening: Return to Cairo for a relaxed dinner in the Zamalek district, known for its riverside restaurants.

Day 6: Flight to Luxor – Evening on the Nile

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a short domestic flight to Luxor, where you’ll check into a hotel overlooking the Nile.

Afternoon: Explore the Karnak Temple Complex, wandering through its vast hypostyle hall and sacred lakes.

Evening: Take a felucca ride at sunset on the Nile, watching the city lights reflect on the water.

Morning: Descend into the Valley of the Kings to tour the tomb of **Tutankhamun** and other royal burial chambers.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Valley of the Queens and the stunning mortuary temple of **Hatshepsut** at Deir el‑Bahri.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner with a live Tanoura dance performance.

Day 8: Transfer to Hurghada – Red Sea Relaxation

Morning: Travel by private minibus or short flight to the coastal town of Hurghada, checking into a beach resort.

Afternoon: Unwind on the golden sands, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, or take a glass‑bottom boat tour.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset over the Red Sea.

Day 9: Departure from Hurghada

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the pool and a final swim in the crystal‑clear waters.

Afternoon: Pack and transfer to Hurghada International Airport for your flight home.

Evening: Reflect on your Egyptian adventure as you board your departure flight.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Great Pyramid of Khufu – 2 hrs, $20 entry
• Pyramid of Khafre & Sphinx – 1.5 hrs, $15 entry
• Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun exhibit) – 3 hrs, $12 entry
• Khan el‑Khalili Bazaar – 2 hrs, free (shopping optional)
• Al‑Azhar Mosque & Citadel – 2 hrs, $10 entry
• Saqqara Step Pyramid – 2 hrs, $12 entry
• Memphis open‑air museum – 1 hr, $8 entry
• Karnak Temple – 3 hrs, $15 entry
• Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun tomb) – 3 hrs, $25 entry
• Valley of the Queens & Hatshepsut Temple – 2 hrs, $15 entry
• Snorkeling/Glass‑bottom boat in Hurghada – 2 hrs, $30
• Domestic flight Cairo‑Luxor (round‑trip) – 1 hr, $120
• Transfer Cairo‑Hurghada (bus/flight) – 1 hr, $80
• Accommodation (8 nights) – average $100/night, $800
• Meals (average $30/day) – 9 days, $270
• Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – $150
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,652

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan or a desert excursion to the White Desert. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Saqqara‑Memphis day and fly directly from Cairo to Hurghada, focusing only on the main Cairo highlights and a beach stay.